Pelican Inn & Suites

This expansive Cape Cod-style complex is among the most fetching on Cambria's beachfront drive. There are about four dozen well-kept, modern rooms and suites with interior carpeted hallways that are built heading uphill away from the sea. All have woodsy cottage décor, plus mini refrigerators and coffee makers. Some boast window seats, whirlpool tubs, canopy beds and even dead-on ocean views. Those on the upper floor have balconies while those below have patios. There's high-speed internet access in the suites, most of which have gas fireplaces. There's also a two-bedroom apartment with kitchen facilities that can sleep up to six people. The hotel's heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub front a riparian area. You can fall asleep to the sound of the surf, then wake up to the melodic birdsong in the back garden. Rates include a self-serve breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and wine in the lounge, and an evening dessert.